SYSTEM FOR STEAM PRODUCTION FOR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION

Abstract

A system for steam production for electric power generation may include an electrode boiler. The electrode boiler is configured to provide overheated steam. A steam turbine is coupled to the electrode boiler and is driven by the overheated steam. An electrical generator is coupled to the steam turbine to convert the kinetic energy of the steam turbine to electrical power.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of power generation and, more particularly, to using an electrode boiler for a steam generation process.

Power generation systems generally include a turbine and a source of energy to rotate the turbine and generate electricity. The energy that is used to rotate the turbine in many of the cases is overheated steam. The efficiency of steam generation is one of the major factors for the cost of power generation.

As can be seen, there is a need for a steam generation method to maximize the utilization of the available energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention a system for steam production for electric power generation comprises an electrode boiler, the electrode boiler is configured to provide overheated steam, a steam turbine is coupled to the electrode boiler and is driven by the overheated steam, an electrical generator is coupled to the steam turbine to convert the kinetic energy of the steam turbine to electrical power.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The FIGURE is a schematic view of a power plant using an electrode boiler for steam generation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

Broadly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a system for steam production for electric power generation.

Referring now to the FIGURE, a schematic view of a power plant 10 using an electrode boiler for steam generation is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power plant may include an electrode boiler to heat incoming water and turn the water into overheated steam with pressure over 2000 psi. The electrode boiler may have a capacity of about 34,000,000 kilowatts (KW) and may produce over 110,000 lbs of steam per hour. The electrode boiler may have an energy conversion efficiency over 99%. The electrode boiler may feed the generated steam to drive a steam turbine. In some applications, which require less amount of steam, an electric boiler may be used instead of the electrode boiler. An electrical generator may be coupled to the turbine to convert the kinetic energy of the steam turbine to electrical power. Low temperature steam leaving the turbine may be re-circulated to a heat recovery subsystem to heat the incoming water.

The electrode boiler of the disclosed system 10 may be used as a startup auxiliary boiler to provide high quality steam to start the turbines of a thermo power plant, for example, a nuclear power plant. Alternately, the system 10 may be used where a large amount of steam is needed. There may be no carbon emissions from the electrode boiler. The electric generator may be connected to a power grid and may feed the grid with electrical power. Some or all the generated power may be fed back to the electrode boiler. A computerized control system may supervise all essential aspects of the power plant 10 operation.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for steam production for electric power generation, comprising: an electrode boiler, the electrode boiler configured to provide overheated steam;a steam turbine coupled to the electrode boiler and adapted to be driven by the overheated steam; andan electrical generator coupled to the steam turbine to convert the kinetic energy of the steam turbine to electrical power.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a heat recovery subsystem adapted to re-circulate low temperature steam leaving the steam turbine.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrode boiler uses electricity to provide overheated steam.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein part of the electric power is fed back to the electrode boiler.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein all the electric power is fed back to the electrode boiler.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein part the electric power is fed to a power grid.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein all of the electric power is fed to a power grid.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computerized control system, the control system supervises all essential aspects of the system operation.